flame-retardant
UK[ˌfleɪm rɪˈtɑːdnt]US[ˌfleɪm rɪˈtɑːrdnt]
adj
(of a substance or material) having the ability to resist or slow down the spread of fire.
n
a substance that makes materials resistant to catching fire.
Morpheme Breakdown
flame
retard
ant
flame
retard
ant
performing a specified action
Etymology
the compound 'flame-retardant' is a modern technical term built from transparent english elements. the first component, 'flame', descends from old english, ultimately from a proto-indo-european root related to burning. the second component, 'retard', entered english via french from latin 'retardare', meaning 'to delay or make slow'. the suffix '-ant' is an active participial ending from latin, used here to form an adjective meaning 'delaying flames'. the term's logic is perfectly literal: a 'flame-retardant' material is one that acts to retard, or slow down, the progress of flame.
Analysis
Structure: flame + retard + ant
flame (from old english 'flamme', meaning 'flame, fire', noun base); retard (from latin 'retardare', meaning 'to make slow, delay', verb base); ant (from latin '-ant-', '-ent-', forming adjectives meaning 'performing a specified action', suffix).
Examples
the children's pajamas are made from flame-retardant fabric for added safety.
this new polymer requires a special flame-retardant to meet building codes.
the foam insulation must be treated with a flame-retardant chemical.